Church with a Starbuck's style cafe

[length4me]

Hello All,

I have been searching for a church home for a while. Well, to make a long story short, I decided to visit a particular church with a pretty large congregation. The praise and worship was very nice, the Word came forth, etc. One of the shocking things about this church was that it had a cafe right outside of the sanctuary. I was really kind of unsettled by it to say the least. Can anyone please provide any scriptural reference as to whether this type of activity should be going on so close to the sanctuary?

 

[kweenameena]

lol! do you live in Washington State? If you do, I might know what church you're talking about!

 

[kbragg]

erplexed erplexed erplexed erplexed erplexed erplexed

I dunno, doesn't sit well with me either. I don't know any scriptures off hand other than Jesus overturning the money changer tables, but the Holy Spirit will guide you. I can't imagine how you felt cause it's makingmy spirit churn just reading it and I have no clue why! It just doesn't "feel" right I guess. Kinda has a worldly type feel to me. Brownies in the basement is one thing, but right outside the SANTUARY? Doesn't seem right. Not trying to sound judgdemental or anything it just seems kind of irreverant to me you know? Kinda like eating or chewing gum during service. The Bible doesn't specifically say NOT to do this, but you just somehow KNOW you shouldn't. Am I making sense?

.

 

[BmoreBelle]

I figure it's a step up from vending machines or going to the corner store after Sunday School, but right before service. I think it's a cool idea, I wish we had one...we have three services at my church and if you're involved in ministry often times you are expected to serve at all three. I could use a carmel frap. in b/t services.

 

[alexstin]

No different than a vending machine as Bmorebell said or having dinner in the church. What exactly about the idea of people drinking coffee or buying something at the cafe bothers you? People have been eating and drinking in places of worship for ages. We have refreshments before and after service for our guests. Now if they're selling t-shirts with the Pastor's picture on the front that would be cause for alarm.

 

[length4me]

I dunno, doesn't sit well with me either. I don't know any scriptures off hand other than Jesus overturning the money changer tables, but the Holy Spirit will guide you. I can't imagine how you felt cause it's makingmy spirit churn just reading it and I have no clue why! It just doesn't "feel" right I guess. Kinda has a worldly type feel to me. Brownies in the basement is one thing, but right outside the SANTUARY? Doesn't seem right. Not trying to sound judgdemental or anything it just seems kind of irreverant to me you know? Kinda like eating or chewing gum during service. The Bible doesn't specifically say NOT to do this, but you just somehow KNOW you shouldn't. Am I making sense?

Yeah, you are making a lot of sense. I had asked a coworkers opinion on this, he is very much into the word, very committed Christian, and the first scripture he thought of was Jesus in the temple overturning the money changer tables. I guess the problem I am having with this is that it does seem a bit worldly. Thanks for your responses.

 

[alexstin]

Do you feel the same way about vending machines and bookstores within the sanctuary. Also, why did Jesus cast out those who sold in the temple and the moneychangers? What exactly were they doing and what was there purpose for being there? Okay I know what they were doing but historically and culturally. Why were they there, because Jesus did say they were making His house into a den of thieves. There had to be something they were doing that was sketchy for Him to mention the stealing.

 

[Kalani]

Wow! I saw this in an episode of King of the Hill and thought it was meant to be an exaggeration (the episode was about a megachurch that Peggy and Hank were considering).

Anyway, now that I know this exists in real life I'm not sure how I feel about it.

 

[newslady]

One of the shocking things about this church was that it had a cafe right outside of the sanctuary. I was really kind of unsettled by it to say the least. Can anyone please provide any scriptural reference as to whether this type of activity should be going on so close to the sanctuary?

My home church in NY has a cafe and I don't have a problem with it. People are gonna go grab coffee or breakfast after church anyway - they may as well spend it at their church. Kinda like *tithing*~building the Lord's house.

I have no scriptural reference on whether it's right/wrong though.

 

[empressaja]

The Church I am a member of has a Starbucks style cafe. I think its great cause I go a little early get my zebra latte( which they make so well) and then I get to meet people where otherwise I might just walk into the sanctuary a find a seat ( i'm shy).

 

[Honey6928215]

My home church in NY has a cafe and I don't have a problem with it. People are gonna go grab coffee or breakfast after church anyway - they may as well spend it at their church. Kinda like *tithing*~building the Lord's house.

I have no scriptural reference on whether it's right/wrong though.

I agree about wanting to grab something to drink after service. But as for spending it at the church, Starbuck's still gets the money.

 

[newme2003]

Hello All,

I have been searching for a church home for a while. Well, to make a long story short, I decided to visit a particular church with a pretty large congregation. The praise and worship was very nice, the Word came forth, etc. One of the shocking things about this church was that it had a cafe right outside of the sanctuary. I was really kind of unsettled by it to say the least. Can anyone please provide any scriptural reference as to whether this type of activity should be going on so close to the sanctuary?

Well many people will reference John 2:15 which speaks about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple. But I think the more significant vs is the next which says "take these things away, do not make my Father's house a hourse of merchandise!" NKJ

I don't think it matters what people are selling in church - the church is meant to be a place of worship and communing with God...period.

 

[kbragg]

Well many people will reference John 2:15 which speaks about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple. But I think the more significant vs is the next which says "take these things away, do not make my Father's house a hourse of merchandise!" NKJ

I don't think it matters what people are selling in church - the church is meant to be a place of worship and communing with God...period.

I agree. It seems to be a mega church trend with buying and selling so close to the sanctuary. I prefer the ole' school bake sale outside, or fellowship meal in the church basement. Some churches have an "off campus" area, which I think is better than right outside the santuary. A very popular mega church here in DFW has a book store right outside the sanctuary where they sell the bishops books, CD's, tapes, etc...kinda reminds me of the person who mentioned the T-shirt with the pastor's face on it I think an off campus site, or at least in the basement area would be more appropriate.

I don't think vending machines should be right outside the sanctuary either. Eat breakfast people! Whatever happened to getting a peppermint from Sis Jones?

.

 

[BlkManWithSomeSense]

Well many people will reference John 2:15 which speaks about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple. But I think the more significant vs is the next which says "take these things away, do not make my Father's house a hourse of merchandise!" NKJ

I don't think it matters what people are selling in church - the church is meant to be a place of worship and communing with God...period.

Thank you SO much. What you said means the world. I do feel some churches have pushed it too far betwen good taste and commercialism.

 

[Supergirl]

Christians like Chai tea too!

 

[Bunny77]

I love this idea!

Maybe because I'm a coffeehouse person, but I think the idea of having a cafe-style atmosphere in which one can converse about the Lord is wonderful. A lot of young people (especially the early 20-somethings) might be able to relate to the coffeehouse as a place for communication as opposed to venues that were used in the past... I'd be VERY attracted to a church that recognized this and was making that sort of effort.

As for the buying/selling of goods... isn't the money going back to the church? I don't think the OP said that Starbucks was running the place, she said that it's a Starbucks-style cafe. I don't see how selling coffee/tea is any different than other things that churches do to make money... if this is a self-supporting businesss, why not? Get folks to come to a Bible study at the cafe, buy coffee, add to the church funds and learn more about God? Sounds good to me!

I remember one Christian group I attended in college ALWAYS met at a coffee shop... they were cool peeps!

Anyway, I'm rambling, but I think that this type of business might actually attract a different crowd of people that might be turned away from "traditional" methods, but still love the Lord and want to worship in an environment that mimics their experiences. As long as it's not sinful in any way (and I don't see how this cafe is), I'm cool with it!

 

[Browndilocks]

Hello All,

I have been searching for a church home for a while. Well, to make a long story short, I decided to visit a particular church with a pretty large congregation. The praise and worship was very nice, the Word came forth, etc. One of the shocking things about this church was that it had a cafe right outside of the sanctuary. I was really kind of unsettled by it to say the least. Can anyone please provide any scriptural reference as to whether this type of activity should be going on so close to the sanctuary?

LOL - You must live in Los Angeles. Some churches here have ACTUAL Starbucks and Coffe Bean cafes running inside of them.

 

[blackbarbie]

I visited a church that had the same exact kind of set up and was trying to figure what kind of way I felt about it, but I didn't jump to conclusions b/c I never saw any money changing hands, but I guess I was being naive and know good and well they were charging for that stuff! They had bagels, huge muffins, and every flavor/color of the rainbow of coffee, etc. And yes, it was RIGHT outside the sanctuary and RIGHT next to the bookstore.

I also visited another church for a graduation and the area where they had the little graduation took place next to their coffee station. They served some of the same things but they literally GAVE the stuff away as I noticed by looking at the prices.

 

[Bunny77]

Just a general question... what makes selling coffee, etc., in the church different than church-sponsored fish frys, dinners following the service (my old church used to do this), bookstores, baked goods sales, etc.? I guess I don't see the problem since churches have always sold food, just in different formats.

Now, I do see a concern with what one lady mentioned about an actual Starbucks, etc. setting up shop inside the church... but if the cafe is church-owned, I don't see the problem.

 

[alexstin]

Just a general question... what makes selling coffee, etc., in the church different than church-sponsored fish frys, dinners following the service (my old church used to do this), bookstores, baked goods sales, etc.? I guess I don't see the problem since churches have always sold food, just in different formats.

Now, I do see a concern with what one lady mentioned about an actual Starbucks, etc. setting up shop inside the church... but if the cafe is church-owned, I don't see the problem.

From what I've read it's the closeness to the sanctuary for some. I don't really understand that UNLESS those outside of the sanctuary enjoying what the church has to offer(books, food, etc) are being disruptive.

 

[Browndilocks]

Just a general question... what makes selling coffee, etc., in the church different than church-sponsored fish frys, dinners following the service (my old church used to do this), bookstores, baked goods sales, etc.? I guess I don't see the problem since churches have always sold food, just in different formats.

Now, I do see a concern with what one lady mentioned about an actual Starbucks, etc. setting up shop inside the church... but if the cafe is church-owned, I don't see the problem.

I was going to ask the same thing. Especially those cds and tapes that the congregations are encouraged to buy after service. I've often heard different pastors say "don't forget to buy the tape of today's message after service", or something to that degree. Many pastors can boast of not having a salary from the offerings simply because they profit off of other means such as video, book and tape sales, being made in the church bookstore.

Where exactly should the line be drawn?

And yeah - those church(es) have the actual Coffee Bean decorum and everything. It's the actual franchise. The only difference is that you can access the store from the church lobby.

 

[length4me]

Thanks for all of the great responses. I haven't been able to view the thread in a couple of days because I am without power. I live in St. Louis and we just had a horible ice storm that brought many power lines and trees down. It's really something to think about because the same thing happened due to a thunderstorm in St. Louis and the surrounding area over the summer. There are about 500,000 people without electricity and it will be like this for a few days and it is freezing here. But again thanks for the responses.

 

[alexstin]

Thanks for all of the great responses. I haven't been able to view the thread in a couple of days because I am without power. I live in St. Louis and we just had a horible ice storm that brought many power lines and trees down. It's really something to think about because the same thing happened due to a thunderstorm in St. Louis and the surrounding area over the summer. There are about 500,000 people without electricity and it will be like this for a few days and it is freezing here. But again thanks for the responses.

Oh no. Stay warm and safe.

 

[length4me]

Oh no. Stay warm and safe.

Thank you.

 

[Shimmie]

I agree. It seems to be a mega church trend with buying and selling so close to the sanctuary. I prefer the ole' school bake sale outside, or fellowship meal in the church basement. Some churches have an "off campus" area, which I think is better than right outside the santuary. A very popular mega church here in DFW has a book store right outside the sanctuary where they sell the bishops books, CD's, tapes, etc...kinda reminds me of the person who mentioned the T-shirt with the pastor's face on it I think an off campus site, or at least in the basement area would be more appropriate.

I don't think vending machines should be right outside the sanctuary either. Eat breakfast people! Whatever happened to getting a peppermint from Sis Jones?

.

Sis Jones ran out of mints... Didn't have time for breakfast... McDonald's line was too long...

You know "K"... this brings back memories from my first church. The thought for having the tapes and book table outside was for the convenience of the guests and members upon leaving service. I used to help. But then it caused such a big block with the crowds coming out of the sanctuary, that no one 'saw' the tables.

Later we opened up a book store outside of the main building. It worked out much better.

To the OP:

Now as for Starbucks......I'd have to 'be there' to have a sense of how they operate. If it's in operation during service, I'd consider it a temptation for those who should be there to worship, would be out in the hall having coffee and conversation instead...

But then again...I still need to be around the atmosphere to get a sense of how it's operated and when.

 

[Shimmie]

Thanks for all of the great responses. I haven't been able to view the thread in a couple of days because I am without power. I live in St. Louis and we just had a horible ice storm that brought many power lines and trees down. It's really something to think about because the same thing happened due to a thunderstorm in St. Louis and the surrounding area over the summer. There are about 500,000 people without electricity and it will be like this for a few days and it is freezing here. But again thanks for the responses.

Sweetheart be safe. My prayers are with you.

 

[taraglam2]

Hello All,

I have been searching for a church home for a while. Well, to make a long story short, I decided to visit a particular church with a pretty large congregation. The praise and worship was very nice, the Word came forth, etc. One of the shocking things about this church was that it had a cafe right outside of the sanctuary. I was really kind of unsettled by it to say the least. Can anyone please provide any scriptural reference as to whether this type of activity should be going on so close to the sanctuary?

I visited a wonderful church in the New Jersey area and it had it's own 5 Star Restaurant complete with a staff of CHEFS---not cooks or food preparers -- CHEFS and the waiters and waitresses serving in tuxedo style black and white uniforms complete with white glove service. Great church and great food ! I thought it was a wonderful thing--- Their members can have their wedding there and not have to leave for another venue for the reception. The church could handle it all !